08 My Peer Evaluation Process

I have to say, right away, that writing is more than just a class requirement to me.  For me, writing is art and it is something I cherish deeply.  For those classmates of mine that read my introductory post, you will recall that I mentioned my dream to one day become a published novelist.  It is true.  I completed an epic, unpublished novel last year and I am currently working on a new one.  And no.  This is not an attempt on my part to advertise my work.  It is to make a point.  To me, writing is more than typing a few paragraphs on the computer to get a grade.  It is the process of transmitting a series of words into fully realized worlds existing within the realms unseen.  It is Magic in the purest sense.  Through writing, I create something out of nothing; a skill held by all famous sorcerers:  From Circe and Medea of Classical Mythology to The Wicked Witch of the West and Fiona Goode (of American Horror Story fame) in Modern Times.  This might seem to be a bizarre idea, but it is simply another one of the philosophies I live by.

As such, a simple Composition class--for others a mere prerequisite for their degrees--transmogrifies my usually tranquil and exuberant demeanor into that of an axe crazy control freak.  In my life, I see many people who go most of their lives without reading a book for pleasure or similar transgressions (an all too common sight), and South University, unfortunately, is no exception.

So when I have to review another's work, my mind--while doing it's best to remain kind and considerate--unfortunately jumps to a hypercritical state of only seeing flaws in another's work.  I'm not looking for the bare necessities required in the paper.  I am looking for the soul of its author splashed on the pages.  I want to see the author's ideals; his/her hopes and dreams and fears play through the assignment in dazzling display.  And yes.  I realize such assertions certainly seem far too lofty for a college assignment, but I'm not expecting a veritable F. Scott Fitzgerald or John Updike to be writing the paper I evaluate.  So give me some credit.  I'm mainly looking for a writer who takes the writing process seriously, that isn't an english professor.

The point is that in my own slightly exacerbated sense of self-importance and writing talent, I get far too antsy for my own good.  So to the one whose paper I must evaluate next...  God speed.  I apologize in advance.

Blessed Be